Conversations with Great Leaders in Memory of Preston Robert Tisch

Conversations with Great Leaders in Memory of Preston Robert Tisch

is a series of discussions featuring inspiring and innovative leaders who are improving their communities and the world. Its five yearly programs explore themes of values-based leadership, civic engagement and public service, and how diverse leaders are facing the most critical issues affecting American communities, especially urban centers. The Preston Robert Tisch Award in Civic Leadership is awarded annually to an individual who has made a significant positive impact on his or her community.

TischPRESTON ROBERT TISCH(1926-2005) made an indelible impact on society—in business, in sports, in public service, and in philanthropy. Throughout his life, in every endeavor he undertook, no business or civic issue was too large or too small and no employee or individual too unimportant for his attention. That philosophy was evident in the legacy he built with his brother Larry at Loews Corporation; in his public service as Postmaster General of the United States; in his leadership in the hospitality industry, and in his partnership with Wellington Mara at the New York Football Giants. It was also reflected in his “hands-on” philanthropic foresight, and personal involvement in countless charitable endeavors, which improved life for thousands of New Yorkers. Bob Tisch was known for his generosity of spirit and his unparalleled network of colleagues and friends. He relished employing this network to help so many of those in need. Beyond all, his deep love of family— especially his wife, Joan, and his children Steve, Laurie, and Jonathan—was a hallmark of this great man.

The Aspen Institute is grateful to Steve Tisch, Laurie Tisch, and Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch and to the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund for their generous support of this program.

Upcoming Events Near You

Events Across the Institute

Socrates 2025 New Zealand Seminar

Join us for this exclusive Critical Conversation, moderated by Vivian Schiller, internationally renowned former media executive, current Aspen Institute Vice President and Executive Director of Aspen Digital. ‘Will We Ever Trust the News Again’ will examine the challenges facing the industry – and crucially, the promising paths towards a solution.

December 8th – 10th, 2025

2025 Aspen Cyber Summit

Join us in celebrating 10 years of dialogue at the 2025 Aspen Cyber Summit in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, November 18.

November 18th, 2025 9am-5pm

Socrates Montenegro Seminar

Organized in partnership with Aspen Institute Germany and Aspen Institute Romania, the first-ever Socrates seminar in Montenegro will bring together leaders to explore the challenges of democratic backsliding, the importance of rule of law, and the essence of values-based leadership.

November 17th – 19th, 2025

Policy 101

Join the Aspen Policy Academy to learn the basics of the policy process in this 1-hour webinar.

October 8th, 2025 11am-12pm

The Aspen Executive Seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society – October 2025

The Aspen Institute’s signature seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society.

October 4th – 10th, 2025

How to Tell Governments What You Think

Learn how to tell government actors what you think about their ideas in this 1-hour webinar.

September 24th, 2025 9-10am

Rising Civic AI Leaders

A program providing recent tech-to-government civic AI leaders with the knowledge, tools, and support to navigate government processes.

September 18th, 2025 12:00am – November 20th, 2025 12:00am

The Aspen Executive Seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society – September 2025

The Aspen Institute’s signature seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society.

September 13th – 19th, 2025